Prague

The Czech Duchy (Czech: České knížectví), also known as the Duchy of Bohemia, is a state on the territory of the present-day Czech Republic that was once part of the Holy Roman Empire. Its capital Prague was most intensively developed between the 9th and 18th centuries. The city was divided into three parts: To get from one part to the other, you had to pay a toll.

The Vltava River, which runs in a fairly straight line, also physically divided Prague into two parts. Historically, the city consisted of five independent towns: Hradčany (Castle District), Malá Strana (Lesser Town), Staré Město (Old Town), Nové Město (New Town) and Josefov (Jewish Quarter). Today they have all become districts. So, if you know how they are connected and which side of the river they are on, it will be much easier to find your way around the city.

The first district to be discussed is Hradčany, located west of the river. The region is centred around Prague Castle on a hill, which has served as a king's palace for centuries. It overlooks the city, and the castle can be seen from numerous spots along both sides of the river. The Malá Strana area, located below Hradčany, features stunning Renaissance and Baroque buildings erected for the nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Jewish Quarter is located on Pařížská Street, directly east of the river and connected to the Malá Strana via the Manes Bridge (upriver from the renowned Charles Bridge). The Old Town lies to the south of this region. It comprises of three important commercial streets: Revoluční in the east, Na Příkopě in the south-east, and Národní Třída in the south. Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square), a historic medieval market square adorned with excellent pastel-coloured Baroque homes, is one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

You can enter the New Town by walking south or east past the Old Town's medieval walls. Of fact, the name is a bit of a misnomer, as this area of Prague was planned in the 14th century and hence is relatively recent in comparison to Old Town. This neighborhood includes popular tourist destinations such as Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) and Karlovo náměstí (Charles Square).

Prague, the Czech Republic's capital, is also known as the Golden City and the City of Hundred Towers. It contains 130 churches with gilded spires. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills. It's mysterious and romantic, historic, and energetic - it's tough to find a single word to define the Czech Republic's stunning capital. For centuries, Prague has been known as the Golden City, not only for its distinctive golden spires, but also for its red-roofed architecture, adorned gateways, and sculptured bridges. Prague's Old Town is often regarded as one of Europe's most attractive and well-preserved, having survived practically undamaged during WWII.